The balance between hydration and oil in skincare

The balance between hydration and oil in skincare

We often get asked what a basic skincare routine should look like. For us, it consists of three steps – cleanse, hydrate and finally care. This means a routine with products that (after cleansing) contain both humectants and oils. Read on for more!

Most people need both hydration and nourishment (in the form of oils), to maintain healthy skin. The exception could be extremely oily skin in a very humid and warm climate, where purely hydrating ingredients or products may be sufficient on their own. 

Hydrating ingredients

Hydrating, or moisturising, ingredients are used in cosmetic products to slow down moisture loss from the product itself and, importantly, to increase moisture content in skin. This function is generally performed by hygroscopic substances, or humectants, which are able to absorb water from their surroundings and also hold it in skin. Humectants include ingredients such as glycerin and sodium PCA. Humectants are generally water soluble, and after some time evaporate from skin.

Nourishing ingredients

Nourishing ingredients are emollients that soften and condition the skin, most usually different types of lipids (oils, fats, waxes). Emollients, e.g. canola oil, oat oil and argan oil, also importantly help lock in moisture.

Why is skin dry?

The problem of dry skin is not always the lack of hydration, but a weakened skin barrier. The skin barrier is the mechanism in our skin that prevents water loss. Using an oil or balm without any humectants will not tackle dry skin.

How to hydrate and nourish skin

If you opt for just one product after cleansing, make sure it has both hydrating ingredients as well as nourishing ingredients, like our Face Cream our Hydrating Face Mask & Cream. Alternatively, use the Balancing Essence for moisture and the Face Oil to nourish and lock in hydration in your skin.

Hate face creams? Try this!
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Contains: Face Oil & Balancing Essence Mist
Hydrating & Nourishing Set with Essence & Oil for sensitised/reactive skin
All our Core products for every kind of skinday
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Contains: Mild Milk Cleanser, Gentle Gel Cleanser, Balancing Essence Mist, Face Cream, Face Oil & All-Around Balm
Complete Routine for Sensitive & Problem Skin
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